Erasmus Hall Museum

Stepping back in time, imagine yourselves in 1786. Here in Flatbush, the Dutch Reformed Church donated land for a grand new academy. This academy, known as Erasmus Hall Academy, was the first secondary school chartered by the New York State Regents. Erasmus Hall Museum, as it’s known today, sits within the much larger Erasmus Hall High School complex. The original academy building, completed in 1787, is a beautiful example of Georgian-Federal style architecture. It housed a mere 26 students then. Now, let’s fast forward to the turn of the 20th century. Brooklyn’s population boomed, and little Erasmus Hall Academy couldn’t keep up. Architect C. B. J. Snyder envisioned a Collegiate Gothic masterpiece surrounding the original academy. The high school was built in stages. Erasmus Hall High School’s Flatbush Avenue facade is magnificent, a testament to Snyder’s vision. Picture the students entering through the Tudor-arched entrances, beneath the crenellated parapets. Inside, imagine the grandeur of the library, its stained glass illuminated by natural light. A stunning Tiffany window depicts the very essence of knowledge. Another breathtaking window graces the auditorium, showcasing 21 panels dedicated to the life of Erasmus of Rotterdam. The school even had a swimming pool! Erasmus Hall High School truly aimed to inspire, a beacon for immigrant families new to America. The school boasted an impressive roster of alumni, from actors like Clara Bow and Mae West to scientists like Barbara McClintock and Eric Kandel. The school even nurtured the talents of singer Barbra Streisand and author Mickey Spillane.Sadly, by 1994, academic decline led to the division of Erasmus Hall High School. Today, the Erasmus Hall Educational Campus houses five separate schools. The original academy building now serves as Erasmus Hall Museum, a tribute to centuries of learning. The museum’s initial plans included displaying historical artifacts like quill pens, the original school bell, and a scale model of the 1787 building. So, as you stand before Erasmus Hall Museum, remember the echoes of history. From a small academy to a grand high school, this place has witnessed the transformation of education and community.